Air Traffic Skills Assessment (ATSA) PracticeTest

Which ATC facility provides air traffic control services to aircraft on IFR flight plans during the enroute phase of flight?

1. ARTCC

2. FSS

3. ATC Center

4. Tower Control

The correct answer is: ARTCC

The correct answer is that the ARTCC (Air Route Traffic Control Center) provides air traffic control services to aircraft on IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) flight plans during the enroute phase of flight. The ARTCC is responsible for managing high-altitude air traffic as aircraft travel between airports over long distances. It operates within defined airspace sectors and provides continuous coverage, coordinating with other ARTCCs to ensure a smooth flow of traffic across the national airspace system. During the enroute phase, which occurs after takeoff and before the approach and landing phases, pilots rely on ARTCC for guidance and traffic advisories. The ARTCC manages these flights by providing necessary instructions, handling altitude changes, and ensuring separation between aircraft to maintain safety and efficiency. In contrast, the other facilities mentioned serve different roles in air traffic management. For example, Flight Service Stations provide services primarily to VFR (Visual Flight Rules) operations and do not have authority over IFR enroute flights. ATC Centers is somewhat of a redundant term, as the term “Center” typically refers to ARTCC facilities. Tower Control is focused on controlling aircraft during takeoffs and landings at airports, rather than in the enroute phase of flight.